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Architect Frank Stolz had one request from his client prior to designing and building this fabulous La Quinta, Ca. estate. " When I drive up, I want to see the Mountains". So armed with that driving demand he responded with a design based on two opposing ellipses wrapped in dry-stack, narrow Jerusalem stone, mimicking the sweeping gestures and rugged faces of the Santa Rosa Mountains beyond. The one-story structure hugs the landscape, and a gentle slope of stairs rises between the ellipses. The view through glass pocket doors, leads through the great room to the deck with its recessed fire pit, the pool, the rolling green golf course and, naturally, those mountains. When the doors are open, the living area is doubled. But even with the doors closed against occasionally chilly desert winds, the space is made for entertaining.

At one end is an alcove with a bar backed by glass shelves storing liquor. On closer inspection, the bar contains a stove, two fridges and a dishwasher, all neatly disguised. And behind one wall, with its own hidden entrance, is a small but complete kitchen that can be used by caterers.

The four bedrooms are actually separate casitas reached by crossing water features to entrances cut into the ellipses. The casitas can also be reached from the garage, or by walking around the exterior. Each is completely private, with its own view, its own private garden, pond and outdoor shower.

The pool is another ellipse that wraps from the pavilion deck around the master suite, giving it the illusion of being a private island.

The interior design firm created a sunken fire pit, within the kitchen layout, and all the cabinetry, lighting, plumbing, flooring, hardware and wall finishes in the home.

One end of the roof over the house’s expansive deck reaches a sharp point. The owner had concerns about too much direct sun. Stolz bet him that in mid-May, the line of shade from the point would shelter him from the sun, though beyond that, no guarantees. Point made.